ASTO / UK Sail Training

It's been a busy end to 2024 for the ASTO / UK Sail Training team. Last week we met with our Patron HRH The Duchess of Edinburgh to share and discuss future plans. The Duchess is a strong advocate for young people and shares ASTO's belief in the importance of creating opportunities through Sail Training to enable them to reach their full potential.   Yesterday we were at the House of Commons to meet Nusrat Ghani, Deputy Speaker of the House of Commons & Chair of Ways and Means. Three of our Trustees Mark Todd, Brian Johnson CBE, David Snelson along with Chief Executive Kerry McMillan shared the accelerated outcomes that Sail Training brings.

Congratulations to ASTO member The Excelsior Trust who were awarded the Sultan Qaboos Trophy 2024 at the Sail Training International conference last week. The award is presented to an individual, vessel operator or sail training organisation for outstanding services to young people in sail training and is sponsored by the Royal Navy of Oman (RNO). The RNO are old friends of Sail Training International, and for many years now Shabab Oman and Shabab Oman II has been a popular participant in the Tall Ships Races.   Based in the UK, The Excelsior Trust offer young people the opportunity for change through experience where young people are encouraged to avoid involvement in antisocial behaviour, petty crime, excessive alcohol consumption and substance abuse. Through their sail training voyages, when young people board their vessel, they enter another world: a world of adventure and challenge. Their background is set aside in a challenging yet controlled and supportive environment.

Great opportunity to apply for funding from UK Youth

Could be interesting if anyone is local

At the UK Youth #JoinedUpSummit in Birmingham today. Powerful plenary talk from Dame Rachel de Souza followed by some excellent breakout sessions. Themes of the day: Collaboration is key and increased, more meaningful Youth participation.

The Trinity House Maritime Charity provides funding to staff and volunteers of ASTO / UK Sail Training member organisations to complete the professional maritime qualifications that enable the safe delivery of life changing adventures for young people and people of all ages with additional needs on the water. Removing financial barriers to training is important in bringing more people into our sector. Yesterday we interviewed six impressive candidates for the bursaries. Thank you to Trinity House for providing a great venue. You can read more about the support in the newest edition of their journal Flash. https://lnkd.in/efYuwAH

The first Saturday in October is traditionally the ASTO Cowes Small Ships Race. This year, the event sees 15 vessels, from nine member charities, enabling 144 young people (under 25) from across the UK to experience adventure at sea. As a member organisation, a core part of ASTO's mission in promoting Sail Training, is creating opportunities for its' members to come together, and encourage their young crews to share their experiences. ASTO, like its' members is a registered charity in its own right and is governed by a Board of Trustees, the Chair of which is Mark Todd. “This event is about so much more than competition; it’s about creating opportunities for young people to thrive,” commented Mark. “We are always so proud to see the positive impact that sail training and participating in these events has on these individuals, fostering their personal development and resilience.” As Chair, Mark not only comperes the Prize Giving but also brings his special blend of commentary through his 'Todd Casts', giving regular updates throughout the event. With half the fleet already tied up back in the Cowes Yacht Haven, excitement about who will be collecting the silverware is palpable!

We're on the lookout for a new First Mate! ⚓ We are seeking an experienced and motivated First Mate to join our team on a full-time basis. The ideal candidate will work closely with our operations team and volunteers to deliver life-changing voyages aboard our vessels, 72ft Alba Explorer and 70ft Alba Venturer. They will play a key role in ensuring the safety and maintenance of our vessels, whilst delivering transformative experiences for young people from a range of backgrounds and circumstances. The ideal candidate will also be motivated to support the Trust’s large volunteer base, without whom our work would not be possible. Sound like you? Click below to learn more 👇 https://lnkd.in/gb7TGEb8 #Hiring #FirstMate #SailTraining #YouthWorkOnTheWaves

In just a few hours, we will be joining inspirational organisations, businesses and young people from across Inverclyde for Inverclyde Chamber of Commerce's ICON Awards 2024 🎉 This year, we are honored to be the event's chosen charity. This means that any money fundraised on the night will go towards delivering our youth work on the waves with local young people. Thank you to everyone in Inverclyde for supporting our work, and good luck to all of those shortlisted for an award! 💛 #InverclydeChamberofCommerce #ICONAwards2024 #Inverclyde Photo ID: A black background has white text which reads "ICON Business Awards". Around the text are yellow lines and a white drawing of a ship.

ASTO are extremely proud of our collaboration with the RNLI centred around our shared mission to inspire young people. Looking forward to rounding off the event with a day at the RNLI College .